Study Guide Lent 2012 Sermon/Study Series Expect More
“Expect Synergy” Week #2 March 3/4, 2012
Next week: March 10/11: “Recognize Your Challenge”
Scripture References Expect More – Week 2 “Expect Synergy”
Read and reflect on the following scriptures. Acts 9:26-28 26 When Paul came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,[a] but they tried to kill him. 30When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. Acts 15:36-40 36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.
This sermon is based on studies Pastor Neal has been doing on understanding God’s direction in our lives. He has developed a seminar to help us become the kind of people who know what nest steps to take and are willing and able to take those steps and make those changes. Consider coming as a small group to this seminar. Discovering Your Next Step Saturday, March 17, 8:30-3:00, lunch provided. $15 per person. At Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church Contact
[email protected] to register For more information, contact Rev. Neal Nybo, 858-487-0811,
[email protected]
Study Guide Expect More – Week 2 “Expect Synergy” Scripture 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Read both Acts scriptures If you were a member of the church in Jerusalem, would you have trusted Paul? What would Barnabus have to do to convince those who were afraid of Paul? Who has been an encourager in your life? Briefly describe a time you had a disagreement that sent you and a friend in opposite directions?
Sermon 1. Did you know that the Mark with Paul and Barnabus was the Mark who wrote the first gospel? 2. How does that change the way you think about synergy in relationships? 3. Have you experienced synergy from a relationship? 4. Why might a “Holy Spirit Welcoming Situation” need to include people outside of the church? “I had a supervisor that spoke into my life very honestly and deeply. She said one thing and gave me one direction that I followed up on and it healed a huge wound in my soul that freed me.” Neal Nybo 5. When have you spoken into someone’s life in a way that made a difference in them? 6. Would you be willing to be in a relationship where God used you and also helped you in the process? Life Application 1. Have you considered adding something to your life? 2. Does the lesson about synergy change what you are considering?
Prayer Lord, help me to be open to your leading in relationships. Help me to be open to others speaking into my life. Allow me the blessing of being used synergistically in someone else’s life. In the name of Jesus and with the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
